Sports

We should all be as optimistic as UI golf coach Mike Small. Every wayward shot is forgotten. Immediately!

And Terri Sullivan. The Illini softballers have been outscored 35-2 in their last four games, and she’s forever positive. For coaches, it’s in the DNA. You saw it this winter. For John Groce, it was always, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”

TYLER ELLIS has familiarized himself with the various Chicago suburbs that host the state meet. That’s because the Vikings senior has qualified for state each of his first three seasons in doubles play.

In baseball■ St. Joseph-Ogden 1, PBL 0. Hunter Hart struck out 14 while throwing a no-hitter, outdueling freshman Jonathon Walder to lead the Spartans to a home win. SJ-O scored the game’s lone run in the third when Josh Poulter stole two bases and reached home on Jordan Buhs’ single.

Today, the former Illini will take the first step toward realizing that goal while participating in front of representatives from all 30 NBA teams — and alongside 63 other college seniors — at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.

✰✰✰✰SALT FORK SOFTBALLThe Storm (5-1) enjoyed a 5-0 week thanks to an offensive attack that generated 75 hits — Camaryn Todd had more than 10 — including home runs by Lea Hall (three) and Emilie McFadden (two). Peyton Meade won three of the games, one by shutout.